Saturday, October 30, 2010

Current Chapter Book

After lunch is a quiet time in our classroom. The children get out their pillows and I read to them.

Of course, there needs to be a transition from running around on the playground to being calm and relaxed. An important part of this time of day is learning techniques to relax. Sometimes we listen to classical music, do deep breathing exercises or learn a couple yoga poses. At other times we close our eyes and take an imaginary trip in our mind. After we have settle down a little, it is time to listen to a chapter book.

Currently I am reading The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. Even though reading a book aloud has plenty of merit in itself, it also provides us a stepping stone for discussions and further learning. For instance, we have learned new scientific vocabulary and facts: a cob is a male swan, cygnets are baby/young swans, a Trumpeter Swan's nest is 6 feet in diameter, an egg is 5 inches long, and it's wing spread is 8 feet. Knowing these facts about the swans lead us to get out rulers to see what these numbers really mean. This is just one example of how the literature expands our knowledge.